When he was 19, James Stark was considered to be one of the greatest natural magicians, a reputation that got him demon-snatched and sent downtown - to Hell - where he survived as a gladiator, a sideshow freak entertaining Satan's fallen angels. That was 11 years ago. Now, the hitman who goes only by Stark has escaped and is back in L.A. Armed with a fortune-telling coin, a black bone knife, and an infernal key, Stark is determined to destroy the magic circle.

Kill the Dead: Sandman Slim, Book 2

James Stark, a.k.a. Sandman Slim, crawled out of Hell, took bloody revenge for his girlfriend’s murder, and saved the world along the way. After that, what do you do for an encore? You take a lousy job tracking down monsters for money. It’s a depressing gig, but it pays for your beer and cigarettes. But in L.A., things can always get worse. Like when Lucifer comes to town to supervise his movie biography and drafts Stark as his bodyguard.

Aloha from Hell

In Sandman Slim Stark came back from hell for revenge. Once again all is not right in L.A. Lucifer is back in Heaven, God is on vacation, and an insane killer mounts a war against both Heaven and Hell. Stark’s got to head back down to his old stomping grounds in Hell to rescue his long lost love, stop an insane serial killer, prevent both Good and Evil from completely destroying each other, and stop the demonic Kissi from ruining the party for everyone. Even for Sandman Slim, that’s a tall order. And it’s only the beginning.

Devil Said Bang: Sandman Slim, Book 4

What do you do after you’ve escaped Hell, gone back, uncovered the true nature of God, and then managed to become the new Lucifer? Well, if you’re James Stark, you have to figure out how to run Hell while also trying to get back out of it... again. Plus there’s the small matter of surviving. Because everyone in Heaven, Hell, and in between wants to be the fastest gun in the universe, and the best way to do so is to take down Lucifer, a.k.a. James Stark.

Kill City Blues: Sandman Slim, Book 5

James Stark, aka Sandman Slim, has managed to get out of Hell, renounce his title as the new Lucifer, and settle back into life in L.A. But he also lost the Qomrama Om Ya, an all-powerful weapon from the banished older gods. Older gods who are returning and searching for their lost power. The hunt leads Stark to an abandoned shopping mall - a global shopping paradise infested with Lurkers and wretched bottom-feeding Sub Rosa families, squatters who have formed tight tribes to guard their tiny patches of retail wasteland.

The Getaway God: Sandman Slim, Book 6

Sandman Slim must save himself - and the entire world - from the wrath of some enraged and vengeful ancient gods in this sixth high-octane adventure in the New York Times best-selling series. Being a half-human, half-angel nephilim with a bad rep and a worse attitude - not to mention temporarily playing Lucifer - James Stark, aka Sandman Slim, has made a few enemies. None, though, are as fearsome as the vindictive Angra Om Ya - the old gods.

Devil in the Dollhouse: A Sandman Slim Story #3.5

James Stark, a.k.a. Sandman Slim, has a new job, but being the new Lucifer in town gives fresh meaning to the word "Hell." Especially when he hears of hideous massacres near a haunted fortress out on Hell's frontier. As far as Stark's concerned, the more dead Hellions, the better, but he still has to prove that no one screws with Sandman Slim. And facing creatures so terrible even Hell does not want them is no cakewalk, even for Lucifer.

A Plain-Dealing Villain: Daniel Faust Volume 4

It's hard to make a dishonest buck in Sin City, especially when a rogue FBI agent is gunning for your head. Flat broke and one step ahead of the law, Daniel Faust flees Vegas and lands in Chicago, where a risky heist promises to fill his pockets with cash.

Killing Pretty: A Sandman Slim Novel

James Stark has met his share of demons and angels, on Earth and beyond. Now he's come face to face with the one entity few care to meet: Death. Someone has tried to kill Death - ripping the heart right out of him - or rather the body he's inhabiting. Death needs Sandman Slim's help: He believes anyone who can beat Lucifer and the old gods at their own game is the only one who can solve his murder.

Working for Bigfoot

Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden is used to mysterious clients with long hair and legs up to here. But when it turns out the long hair covers every square inch of his latest client's body, and the legs contribute to a nine-foot height, even the redoubtable detective realizes he's treading new ground. Strength of a River in His Shoulders is one of the legendary forest people, a bigfoot, and he has a problem that only Harry can solve. His son, Irwin, is a scion, the child of a supernatural creature and a human.

The Living End: Daniel Faust, Book 3

As the FBI closes in on the Las Vegas underworld, Daniel Faust - grifter, thief, and sorcerer - isn't the only one feeling the heat. Half-demon racket boss Nicky Agnelli is fighting to hang on to his empire, leaving a trail of dead informants in his wake, while Daniel's ex-girlfriend, Jennifer, rallies her forces on the street and aims her sights at Nicky's crown. May the best villain win.

Fated: Alex Verus Series, Book 1

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future-allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success. But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful.

Ghost Story: A Novel of the Dresden Files

When an unknown someone shoots him and leaves him to die, Harry Dresden hopes he might be heading to a better place. Unfortunately being dead doesn't make Harry's life any easier. Trapped between life and death, he learns that his friends are in serious trouble. Only by finding his murderer can he save his friends and move on - a feat that would be a lot easier if he had a body and access to his powers. Worse still are the malevolent shadows that roam Chicago, controlled by a dark entity that wants Harry to suffer even in death.

Cursed: Alex Verus, Book 2

Since his second sight made him infamous for defeating powerful dark mages, Alex has been keeping his head down. But now he's discovered the resurgence of a forbidden ritual. Someone is harvesting the life-force of magical creatures-destroying them in the process. And draining humans is next on the agenda. Hired to investigate, Alex realizes that not everyone on the Council wants him delving any deeper.

Hard Magic: Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles

Jake Sullivan is a licensed private eye with a seriously hardboiled attitude. He also possesses raw magical talent and the ability to make objects in his vicinity light as a feather or as heavy as depleted uranium, all with a magical thought. It's no wonder the G-men turn to Jake when they need someoneto go after a suspected killer who has been knocking off banks in a magic-enhanced crime spree.

Butcher Bird: A Novel of the Dominion

Spyder Lee is a happy man who lives in San Francisco and owns a tattoo shop. One night an angry demon tries to bite his head off before he's saved by a stranger. The demon infected Spyder with something awful - the truth. He can suddenly see the world as it really is: full of angels and demons and monsters and monster-hunters. A world full of black magic and mysteries. These are the Dominions, parallel worlds full of wonder, beauty, and horror

The Conquering Dark: Crown & Key

A thrilling new Victorian-era urban fantasy for fans of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and the Sherlock Holmes movies featuring Robert Downey, Jr.The Crown and Key Society face their most terrifying villain yet: Gaios, a deranged demigod with the power to destroy Britain. To avenge a centuries-old betrayal, Gaios is hell-bent on summoning the elemental forces of the Earth to level London and bury Britain.

The Devil You Know

Felix Castor used to cast out demons for a living, and London was his stomping ground. But in a time when the supernatural realm is in upheaval and spilling over into the mundane world of the living, his skills are in renewed demand. With old debts to pay, Castor is left with no choice but to accept one final, well-paying assignment: a seemingly simple exorcism.

Hidden: Alex Verus, Book 5

With his talent for divining the future, Alex Verus should have foreseen his friends' reactions to the revelations about his previous life. Anne Walker no longer trusts him-and has also cut all ties with the mage community after getting kicked out of the apprentice program. As a favor to Luna, Alex's own apprentice and Anne's best friend, he checks in on her only to be told to leave her alone. Then Anne gets kidnapped.

The Long Way Down: Daniel Faust, Book 1

Nobody knows the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas like Daniel Faust, a sorcerer for hire and ex-gangster who uses black magic and bullets to solve his clients' problems. When an old man comes seeking vengeance for his murdered granddaughter, what looks like a simple job quickly spirals out of control. Soon Daniel stands in the crossfire between a murderous porn director; a corrupt cop with a quick trigger finger; and his own former employer, a racket boss who isn't entirely human.

Taken: Alex Verus Series, Book 3

This time last year, I could go weeks without seeing another mage. In mage society I was an unknown and, all in all, that was how I liked it. It’s hard to say what changed. Whatever it was, I got involved in the magical world again and started getting myself a reputation.

Chosen: Alex Verus, Book 4

I don't publicly advertise that I'm a mage, but I don't exactly hide it either, and one of the odd things I've learnt over the years is just how much you can get away with if you're blatant enough. Hide something behind smoke and mirrors and make people work to find it, and they'll tear the place down looking for what's there. Alex Verus is a diviner who can see probable futures-a talent that's gotten him out of many a tough scrape. But this time, he may be in over his head. Alex was once apprenticed to a Dark mage, and in his service he did a lot of things he isn't proud of.

The Never Hero: The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, Book 1

Reclusive college student Jonathan Tibbs wakes in a pool of blood, not a scratch on him. His life is about to undergo a massive shift. A violent and merciless otherworldly enemy unleashes slaughter in the streets, calling out in a language only he understands. And it is seeking its challenger. In order to defeat the threat, Jonathan must become a temporal weapon...while remaining completely anonymous. Unfortunately, harnessing off-world powers has its own special challenges...

Publisher's Summary

When he was 19, James Stark was considered to be one of the greatest natural magicians, a reputation that got him demon-snatched and sent downtown - to Hell - where he survived as a gladiator, a sideshow freak entertaining Satan's fallen angels.

That was 11 years ago. Now, the hitman who goes only by Stark has escaped and is back in L.A. Armed with a fortune-telling coin, a black bone knife, and an infernal key, Stark is determined to destroy the magic circle - led by the conniving and powerful Mason Faim - that stole his life.

Though nearly everything has changed, one constant remains: his friend Vidocq, a 200-year-old Frenchman who has been keeping vigil for the young magician's return. But when Stark's first stop saddles him with an abusive talking head that belongs to the first of the circle, a sleazy video store owner named Kasabian, Stark discovers that the road to absolution and revenge is much longer than he counted on, and both Heaven and Hell have their own ideas for his future.

i rarely listen to audio-books more than once, but i've listened to sandman slim twice, and i've enjoyed it both times. the story is fast-paced, and i was swept away by it, totally engrossed from the very opening.

i must say the narrator's voice perfectly matches the main character's demeanor. stark aka sandman slim is a gritty, dark, anti-hero, and he's unapologetic about what he believes he's been forced to become.

stark was sent "downtown" by his jealous colleague's lust for power. as an oddity in hell, stark was tortured and forced to fight in the arena, where the deadly battles forged his skills and abilities. stark becomes known as the monster who kills monsters.

the author, richard kadrey, builds a believable world filled with angels, fallen angels, kishi, mortals, and magic. through kadrey's different characters we see a world where the lines between good and evil are hard to distinguish. sometimes, to do some good, you gotta do a little evil.

kadrey's story is full of interesting characters with different motivations. mason, stark's nemesis who sent him downtown. vidoc, a 200 year old french alchemist. candy, a jade, who's a recovering killer and bloodsucker. jospeph, a kishi, who leads a neo-nazi gang. alita, an angel in charge of the golden vigil, and many more.

overall, a great thrill ride with excellent narration and an unpredictable ending. as a fan of the show, 24, and the comic, spawn, i think of sandman slim as a mix of jack bauer and spawn. not a bad combination as long as he's on your side.

NOTE: in my reviews, i usually mention more about the plot, but this time i didn't. trust me, you'll enjoy it more, discovering it for yourself.

But probably not for everyone. I personally enjoy a good yarn with some blood and guts and well placed vernacular of the foul sort. Makes me feel like I am not alone in my world view of "things that really %^$# me off". A different sort of story and the reader did an excellent job as well.

Comedy meets action in the Sandman Slim series. I absolutely loved these books, and the narrator was perfect as Sandman Slim. I would compare these to the Monster Hunter International books by Larry Correia.

You need to read this book. Especially if you are a fan of the Dresden File series. This book starts a wonderful series that is a Ying to the Yang. The Dresden Files is methodically, almost seeming like each chapter ends with a commerical break. Sandman Slim goes and goes and goes without hardly enough time to catch your breath before the next thing happens.

The voice actors also need to be compared with this two series. MacLeod Andrews IS Stark. James Marsters IS Harry Dresden. Just imagine going to a bar only to find that Stark is sitting at the bar itself with Harry at one of the tables.Stark would be the guy who you would want to kick his ass but would kick yours instead. Harry would be the guy who you might buy a drink after a game of darts or pool.

The comparison is needed here as both characters have amazing depth. The two book series complement each other in a great way. BUY THIS BOOK!

I stumbled upon this novel by accident, and I'm truly glad that I did. This was a brilliant story that was made even greater by Macleod Andrew's awesome reading. Kadrey has basically back-handed most fantasy novels written within the last 20 years. He is able to mix virtually every element of fantasy without it seeming tacted on or sluggish, and has created a brand new sort of tragic ficitional icon that struggles with himself and his own shortcomings as a person, as he does beasts, devils, and pompous angels (LoL). The interesting thing about this novel is that it totally points its finger and makes fun of the old "good vs. evil" theme. Stark, the story's protagonist, who is about one insult and apple fritter away from being deemed a "villain", is by far one of the most interesting anti-heroes I've come across. To me he is on par with timeless comic characters such as Spawn or John Constantine of the Hellblazer series. Mix this with the always tragically interesting LA scene, and Kadrey has constructed a winning piece of fiction. Truly a great novel, and one I'll probably listen to over and over again with each installment. Cannot wait for the next ones.

NOT A RENT AND ELECTRIC GUYStark (Sandman Slim) is just back from Hell, where he has been kicking Demon Butt. This takes place in THE LAND OF CHEESEBURGERS AND COWBOYS. The wise cracks and hard core action is non-stop. The humor is dry, witty and often vulgar. Stark has been away from Earth for eleven years. A lot of things have changed, for instance no smoking in bars. For Stark, who CAN'T SMOKE IN THE SHOWER, BELIEVE ME, HE HAS TRIED, wonders why COFFEE DOES NOT COME IN A CIGARETTE FLAVOR. Stark has not been treated well by his so called friends, and he is out for revenge. Matter of fact they have made him feel DUMPED LIKE THE PROM DATE THAT DIDN'T GIVE OUT.

A GUY WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO PANTS GOD.You may not have a problem with all the bad language, but still might have a problem with the disrespect for your religion. God is viewed as a deity who makes mistakes, with humans being the biggest ones. The Virgin Mary, Pope and Jesus are also made fun of. DID I HURT YOUR FEELINGS AGAIN? SORRY WHEN THIS OVER, I'LL SEND FLOWERS TO YOUR INNER CHILD.

HARRY POTTER IS A WIZARD, I'M A MAGICIANI listened to this right after a Harry Dresden Novel. This has a lot in common with that, he even as his own version of Bob. This is gorier, nasty and funnier, if you like that sort of humor and a lot of people will not, so beware. THE TRICK IS NOT TO REMEMBER, THE TRICK IS TO LEARN. There are some intellectual messages hidden in the gory vulgar details. Unlike everyone else who like to lecture in their novels, Kadry knows how to entertain. Yet, some people will get so wrapped up in the vulgarity that they will miss the genius of Richard. SO SIMPLE FUNGUS COULD GET IT.

MY HEAD IS FULL OF MONSTERS AND I'M ONE OF THEM.I believe fans of Clive Barker and J.A. Konrath will love this. This may sound like it is nothing but a bunch of one liners, but all sentences are well planned out and fit the story and the characters. Most novels kind of go flat in the middle, with a attention getter in the beginning and a grand finale. This book is entertaining from start to finish. NICE OUTFIT, DID YOU GET THAT AT ONE GARAGE SALE OR MORE THEN ONE?

Great, great, great.
Book: What an enjoyable, easy, solid book with a fresh point of view. It doesn't take itself too seriously, either, which is great. I love the old-school punk with a crappy attitude being the protagonist. He's a true, consistent character.
Narrator: MacLeod Andrews was the perfect - PERFECT! - choice for this. I'm often neither impressed nor disappointed with narrators, but his character acting (without overdoing it) really brought it to life. Couldn't imagine anyone else reading it.
Overall: SO worth the credits. Can't wait for the next book. This is much more my style than the Dresden books, but does justice to the "modern magic" genre well.

Sandman Slim is a tremendous amounts of fun. The main character is similar to Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden in a lot of aspects, but is a lot more bitter, a little funnier and a lot grittier. As a first book in a series, Kadrey did an excellent job mixing backstory, introduction to the characters and world, action and the rules of magic in this universe. I appreciated the incorporation of traditional folklore, religion, mythology, and some others of Kadrey's own imaginings. There is great potential for this series (which strikes similar notes to the television show Supernatural). This first book gave us a completed arc, but kept enough tantalizing questions and implications to leave me wanting more (in a good way).

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